Have you ever found yourself aimlessly scrolling through social media, only to stumble upon those mesmerizingly perfect food videos? The kind where you can almost taste the crunch through the screen? That’s how I felt when I first tried these crispy air fryer carrots. They’re like the snack version of that viral song everyone can’t stop humming—unexpectedly addictive and surprisingly simple to make.
Steps
- Sweet Version: Begin by washing and peeling the carrots to remove any dirt and bitterness. Cut them into 1-inch pieces and transfer to a large bowl.
- Pour melted butter, brown sugar, and salt over the chopped carrots. Mix well to ensure the carrots are evenly coated.
- Place the coated carrots in an oven-safe bowl that fits your air fryer. Cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Savory Version: Wash and peel the carrots, then cut them into suitable pieces. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika for flavor.
- Transfer the seasoned carrots to the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.
- Once cooked, garnish the savory carrots with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, washed, peeled, and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb medium-sized carrots, washed and peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
FAQ
- How long do air fryer carrots take to cook compared to oven-roasted carrots?
- Air fryer carrots take about 20 minutes to cook, which is faster than the traditional oven method, where carrots typically take around 30 minutes to become perfectly tender and charred.
- Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use baby carrots, but they may not offer the same depth of flavor as larger carrots when roasted. The size of the carrots will also affect the cooking time, with smaller carrots cooking faster.
- How should I store leftover air fryer carrots?
- Store any leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 9 months.
- What is the best way to reheat air fryer carrots?
- To reheat, place the carrots in the air fryer basket and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-7 minutes until they are warmed through.
- Why should I use a bowl for the sweet version of air fryer carrots?
- Using a bowl helps the butter and sugar mixture to caramelize and flavor the carrots better, as it prevents the mixture from dripping off the carrots before they can absorb the flavors. If a bowl doesn’t fit in your air fryer, you can use foil at the bottom of the basket.
Tips
- For sweet air fryer carrots, use an oven-safe bowl inside the air fryer to prevent the butter and sugar mixture from dripping off, ensuring the carrots caramelize effectively.
- When preparing savory carrots, consider using a seasoning mix of your choice in addition to garlic powder and paprika for added flavor variety.
- If using frozen carrots, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and remember to season them midway through cooking.
- To ensure even cooking, check on the size of your carrot pieces; smaller pieces will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the carrots as the recipe is specifically for air frying.
- Oven Safe Bowl – A small bowl that can fit inside your air fryer for the sweet version of the recipe.
- Vegetable Peeler – Useful for peeling the carrots if you don’t already have one.
